Sparta is an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001 by former members of At the Drive-In, including Jim Ward. Known for their melodic yet aggressive sound, the band released influential albums like Wiretap Scars (2002) and Porcelain (2004), Threes (2006), Trust the River (2020), and their Self-Titled in 2020 blending intricate guitar work with emotionally charged lyrics. After multiple hiatuses and lineup changes, Sparta continues to create music, with Jim Ward remaining the core creative force.

I got Jim on the Skype and this is what we chat about:

• Recording in LA during the fires
• U2 changing his life
• Why they didn’t work with Ross Robinson again
• Porcelain
• Playing on talk shows
• Big Day Out Festival
• While Oceana Sleeps
• Taking Back Control
• Napolean Solo
• And a ton more

Check out his Girls Sumer Camp called You Rock https://yourockep.org/ where During two weeks in July, campers will learn to play an instrument, form a band, write an original song, and perform live on stage. Along with music instruction, campers will participate in community-building workshops, enjoy live musical performances, and more!

​Feel free to support  the podcast for as little as $1 a month through Patreon

Lastly I do whiteboard animations so if your marketing department has said recently “Hey, we need a whiteboard animation” then email me at mike@drive80.com.​

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